Mechanical code actuated sensor unit and lock embodying same

ABSTRACT

A mechanical, code actuated sensor unit having one or more sensing slides which are movable from retracted to extended positions to actuate an output member of the unit, and tumblers which normally block extension of the slides and are positioned axially to permit slide extension in response to preselected code pattern information introduced into the sensor unit by means of a coded card adapted to be inserted into the unit or a keyboard adapted to be manually preset. The sensor unit may be programmed for actuation in response to any of a vast number of different code patterns. The sensor unit may be utilized for a wide variety of security applications and is disclosed in conjunction with a door lock and an electrical switch controlled by the unit.

United States Patent Schendel [451 Aug. 1,1972

[54] MECHANICAL CODE ACTUATED SENSOR UNIT AND LOCK EMBODYING SAME [72] Inventor: Herbert M. Schendel, 13161 Crestline Drive, Santa Ana, Calif. 92705 [22] Filed: March 15, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 123,995

[52] US. Cl. ..70/276, 70/146, 70/298, 70/315, 70/352, 70/382, 70/405, 70/407 [51] Int. C1. ..E05b 47/00, E05b 35/00 [58] Field of Search ..70/276, 298, 282, 283, 284, 70/315, 382

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,558,619 6/1951 Lehman ..70/315 X 3,256,723 6/1966 Lehman ..70/315 X 3,271,983 9/1966 Schlage ..70/276 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2,003,337 8/1970 Germany ..70/298 Primary Examiner-Albert G. Craig, Jr. Attorney-Forrest J. Lilly [S7] ABSTRACT A mechanical, code actuated sensor unit having one or more sensing slides which are movable from retracted to extended positions to actuate an output member of the unit, and tumblers which normally block extension of the slides and are positioned axially to permit slide extension in response to preselected code pattern information introduced into the sensor unit by means of a coded card adapted to be inserted into the unit or a keyboard adapted to be manually preset. The sensor unit may be programmed for actuation in response to any of a vast number of different code patterns. The sensor unit may be utilized for a wide variety of security applications and is disclosed in conjunction with a door lock and an electrical switch controlled by the unit.

46 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTED E I 191 3,680,336

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Ar TUBA/E) MECHANICAL CODE ACTUATED SENSOR UNIT AND LOCK EMBODYING SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field This invention relates generally to security devices of the class which are actuated by a coded key in the form of a coded card or key card having means representing a selected code pattern or a keyboard which is manually presettable to represent the code pattern. The invention relates more particularly to a coded key actuated sensor unit of the class described which may be programmed for actuation in response to any one or more of a vast number of different key code patterns. The invention relates also to a lock and electrical switch device embodying the sensor unit.

2. Prior Art As will appear from the ensuing description, the sensor unit of the invention may be utilized for a great variety of security applications. Among these applications are personnel identification, coded card verification, and controlled entry to buildings, rooms, security areas and other controlled areas. The prior art is replete with a vast assortment of security devices of this general class. By way of example, a few of the prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. disclosing such devices are: 2,566,017; 2,648,729; 2,732,703; 2,769,873; 2,931,953; 3,1 1 1,834; 3,215,903; 3,271,983; and 3,320,781.

The invention will be disclosed in connection with a lock and an electrical switch device. In conventional key locks, a key, which is shaped in a unique pattern, is used in conjunction with the locking mechanism to accomplish the locking and unlocking function. Rekeying such a lock, that is changing the key pattern required to operate the lock, is expensive and time consuming, because the lock has to be partially disassembled and its tumblers replaced by someone skilled in the art. In

addition, key locks are susceptible to picking, and their I keys are easily duplicated for unauthorized entry. Special locks have been devised which utilize either a coded magnetic keycard or a keyboard as the lock actuating element or a key and an electrical locking solenoid or other electro-mechanical means as the key-actuated means which performs the actual locking and un-locking function. Such locks require electrical power. and are thus costly to install and operate. Moreover, these locks may present operational problems during electrical power failures, and changing their combination or unlocking code pattern generally requires partial disassembly of the locking mechanism. Yet other magnetic-mechanical coded key card or keyboard-actuated locks have been devised which operate without electrical power, but they, too, generally have to be partially disassembled to effect a change in their combination or unlocking code pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the above noted and other disadvantages of the existing security devices of theclass described and particularly those security devices which are actuated by coded key cards, keyboard and the like. In this regard, it is significant to note at the outset that the present invention is disclosed in connection with both coded card and keyboard actuated security devices and that the expression coded key is used as a generic descripter for both coded card and key board elements of these devices. The coded information provided by the coded key is referred to as a code pattern.

According to one of its important aspects, the invention provides a coded key actuated device, referred to herein as a sensor unit, which may be programmed for operation from a normal condition to an actuated condition in response to any one or more of a vast number of different key code patterns. This actuation of the sensor .unit involves movement of one or more sensing plates or slides from a normal retracted position to an extended position. With regard to the number of sensing slides it will appear that the coded key may have one or more code groups or patterns. The sensor unit has one sensing slide for each group or pattern.

Extension of each sensing slide is controlled by a group of tumblers which are positioned axially in accordance with the corresponding code pattern on the coded key which actuates the sensor unit. These tumblers either permit or block extension of the slides depending upon whether the code pattern is a valid or authorized pattern, i.e., one for which the sensor unit is programmed to accept, or an invalid or unauthorized pattern, i.e., one which is not programmed into the sensor unit. Movement of a sensing slide to its extended position permits or effects movement of an output member of the sensor unit. This movement of the output member may be utilized for any function. By way of example in the present lock, movement of the output member actuates the lock to un-locked condition, and in the present switch device, movement of the output member actuates the switch contacts.

The tumblers of the sensor unit may be positioned axially in accordance with the key code pattern by either or both magnetic and mechanical interaction between the tumblers and the coded key. This interaction may be such as to enable a key to be coded to establish any one of two, three, or more axial positions for each tumbler, thus providing a vast number of possible tumbler position combinations and corresponding key code patterns from which may be selected the one or more combinations and hence valid key code patterns required to activate the sensor unit.

A highly important and unique feature of the sensor unit resides in its ability to be adjusted to change the key code pattern or patterns required to actuate the unit; that is the ability of the sensor unit to be programmed for actuation in response to any one or more of the vast number of possible key code patterns for the sensor unit. In some disclosed forms of the invention, for example, each tumbler of the sensor unit is rotatably adjustable on its axis to different angular positions equal in number to the different axial tumbler positions which may be established by different key code patterns. Each tumbler is so shaped that in any given angular position the tumbler blocks extension of its sensing slide and hence actuation of the sensor unit in all but a preselected one of its axial positions. Thus, rotating a tumbler from one position to another changes the axial position which the tumbler must assume in order to permit extension of the slide and ac- The tumblers or tumbler sensing elements are releasably locked in their preset angular positions after programming of the sensor unit has been completed. In the disclosed inventive embodiments, this locking function is accomplished by reset slides which are retracta ble to release the tumblers or sensing elements for rotation during programming of the sensor unit. Accordingly, any one or more of a vast number of key code patterns may be effectively stored in the sensor unit, and the latter will be actuated only in response to operation of the unit by a coded key with a matching, i.e., valid of authorized code pattern.

The sensor unit has three modes, a normal inoperative mode, a storage or programming mode, and a sensing mode; The normal inoperative mode is the mode or condition in which the sensor unit exists prior to operation of the unit by a coded key. In this mode, the tumblers block the sensing slides against extension. In the programming mode, the sensor unit is conditioned to .be programmed for actuation in response to a selected key code pattern or selected key code patterns. The sensing mode involves introduction of a key code pattern into the sensor unit by inserting a coded card into the unit or depressing the keys of the sensor unit keyboard to determine the validity of the code pattern or patterns. 7

In the programming mode, the sensor unit may be adjusted or programmed in at least three different ways to store a selected code pattern or patterns. According to one method of programming, the selected code pattern or patterns is introduced into the sensor unit to position the tumblers axially in accordance with the code patterns on the card. The tumblers or their sensing elements are then released for programming rotation and the sensing slide or slides are extended to produce forces on the tumblers or sensing elements which rotate the same to their slide releasing positions, that is, the positions in which they permit sensing slide extension in the sensing mode. The tumblers or their sensing elements are then looked in their programmed angular positions. I

According to a'second programming method, the tumblers or their sensing elements are rotated individually by hand to their different angular positions. A third programming method involves the use of a magnetic programming card which positions the tumblers or their sensing elements angularly by magnetic action.

In the sensing mode, when a valid code pattern is introduced into the sensor unit by means of a key card or the keyboard, the tumblers assume their sensing slide releasing positions, and the sensing slide or slides are extended to actuate the output member of the unit. If other than a valid code pattern is introduced, one or more of the tumblers will assume a sensing slide blocking position in which they lock the respective sensing slide against extension to actuate the sensor unit.

In one disclosed embodiment, the sensor unit is embodied in a door lock. The locking mechanism of the lock has a normally locked condition in which at least one door knob is locked against turning to open the door. The locking mechanism is operatively connected to the output member of the sensor unit in a manner such that the locking mechanism is actuated to the unlocked condition to permit rotation of the locked knob to openv the door when a proper code pattern is introduced into the sensor unit.

The lock is also intended for use on room doors of hotels, and other similar establishments. In these applications, occupants may be 'issued coded cards or keyboard combinations which permit them access to their own rooms only, employees may be issued cards or combinations which permit them access'to selected groups of rooms and the manager may be issued a card or combination which permits access to all rooms.

In another disclosed. embodiment, the output member of the sensor unit is connected to an electrical switch for operating an electrical device, such as a signal light, machine, etc., in response to insertion of a valid code pattern into the sensor unit. As will appear from the ensuing description, the sensor unit is capable of use in a wide variety of other applications.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of the outer or front side of a door equipped with a key card actuated lock according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the inner or rear side of the door with a portion of the door lock sensor unit broken away;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical section through the sensor unit;

FIG. 3A illustrates one method of counteracting magnetic forces between neighboring plungers;

FIG. 4 is a section taken substantially on line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken on line 55 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is anenlarged section taken on line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a section taken on'line 77 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a key card for the lock;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary section through a modified key card actuated sensor unit according to the invention embodying a push button actuator for the unit and a switch to be operated by the unit;

FIG. 10 illustrates a modified tumbler for the sensor unit;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary section through a modified key card actuated sensor unit according to the inventron;

FIG. 12 is a view taken on line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a. fragmentary section through a further modified key card actuated sensor unit according to the invention;

FIG. 13A is a section taken on line l3Al3A in FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary section taken through a further modified key card actuated sensor unit according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a section taken on line 1515 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of a programming card for the sensor unit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary section through a further modified key card actuated sensor unit according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary section through a further modified sensor unit according to the invention;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary section through a key board actuated sensor unit according to the invention;

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The programmable coded card actuated device D of the invention selected for illustration in FIGS. 1-8 is a security lock to be installed in a door A or the like and operated by a coded key C, in this instance a coded key card having means defining a preselected code pattern. Lock D has a magnetic, key card code sensing mechanism or sensor unit S, and a locking mechanism M controlled by the sensor unit. As will appear presently, the key card C is insertable into the sensor unit S and, if properly coded, actuates' the locking mechanism M to its locked condition to permit opening of the door A by manual operation of the locking mechanism M.

Sensor unit S has a housing 11 with a front cover 12 which seats against the front or outer side of door A. Accessible at the front side of the cover is a guide or slot 13 for receiving the key card C. A front mounting plate 51 is secured by screws 75 to the rear side of sensor housing 11. Rigid on the rear side of plate 51 are a pair of circular mounting bosses 52, 53, which fit within circular openings 52a, 53a extending through the door A to locate the sensor housing relative to the door. Fixed to and extending rearwardly from the mounting bosses 52, 53 through the door openings 52a,,53a are threaded inserts 74. Seating against the rear side of the door A in overlying relation to the door openings and having indented portions projecting into the openings in a rear mounting plate 77. Mounting screws 78 extend through this plate and thread into the inserts 74 to secure the sensor unit S to the door. A rear cover plate 80 overlies and is secured by screw 85 to the rear mounting plate 77 to conceal the latter and its mounting screws.

Removal of the sensor unit S from the door A requires removal of the rear cover plate 80 to expose the rear mounting plate 77 and then removal of the latter plate by removal of its mounting screws 78. In order to prevent unauthorized removal of and tampering with the programming of the sensor unit, the rear cover plate 80 is locked to the rear mounting plate 77 by two key locks 81, designated individually as 81a, 81b. These key locks are fixed side by side within openings in the rear cover plate. The barrels of the locks 81 project forwardly from the cover plate through openings 77a in the rear mounting plate 77 At the font ends of the lock barrels are key operated rotatable locking lugs 83 which project radially beyond the edges of the mounting plate openings 77a. About the edge of each opening 77a is a clearance slot 86 for the respective locking lug 83.

The rear cover plate 80 is installed by inserting the proper keys into the locks 81 and rotating their locking lugs 83 to positions where they register with the clearance slots 86. The cover plate is then placed in position in such a way that the lock barrels and lugs pass through the rear mounting plate openings 77a. Thereafter, the cover plate is secured in position by inserting the cover plate mounting screw 85 and rotating 'the locking lugs 83 to their locking positions of FIG. 2.

In these positions, the lugs 83 are angularly displaced from the clearance slots 86 and project radially beyond the edges of the rear mounting plate openings 77a to prevent removal of the rear cover plate 80 even though its mounting screw 85 is removed. As will appear presently, the locks 81 are also utilized when pro gramming the sensor unit.

At certain times such as during the night, it may be desirable to prevent unlocking of the door lock D even in response to insertion of a properly coded card key C into the sensor unit S. This is accomplished by depressing a night latch button 79 which projects rearwardly through the rear cover plate 80. The arrangement and operation of this night latch button will be explained presently. I

The sensor unit S embodies key card code pattern sensing means B which will now be described by reference primarily to FIGS. 3, 4, and 8. Extending through the front wall of the sensor unit housing 11 normal to the front and rear wall faces, are bores 11a arranged in a number of vertical columns and horizontal rows. In the particular inventive embodiment shown, there are 42 bores 11a arranged in six columns each containing seven bores. Longitudinally and rotatably movable within each bore 11a is a generally cylindrical magnetic sensing pin or tumbler 30. Each tumbler has a body 31 of non-magnetic material with an axial socket at its front end containing a permanent magnet 32. Each magnet is magnetized in the axial direction such that it has a north pole at one end and a south pole at the opposite end. The front cover 12 of the sensor housing 11 and the housing itself are constructed of a non-magnetic material.

As shown in FIG. 8, the key card C is laminated and includes a center layer 151a and two outer layers 151b (only one shown) of plastic or other non-magnetic material which are bonded face to face. Fixed within holes in the center layer 1510 are magnets 152 which are equal in number to and are arranged in the same pattern as the sensor unit tumblers 30, such that when the key card is inserted into the sensor unit each magnet is aligned axially with a corresponding tumbler. Magnets 152 may comprise barium ferrite or other suitable magnetic material and are magnetized in a direction normal to the faces of the key card. Each magnet thus has a north pole adjacent one card face and a south pole adjacent the other card face. In place of separate magnets, as shown, the center card layer 151a may comprise a solid plate of magnetic material with individual magnetized regions corresponding to the location of the magnets. The key card may also have a single plastic layer in which the card magnets are embedded.

When the key card C is inserted into the sensor unit S, the tumblers 30 are either attracted forwardly toward or repelled away from the card depending on the polarity of the adjacent magnetic poles of each tumbler magnet 32 and the corresponding key card magnet 152. As will appear from the ensuing description, the tumblers have limited freedom of axial movement so that the magnetic force on each tumbler causes the latter to assume either a forward or rearward limiting position depending on the polarity of the adjacent poles of the tumbler and card magnets. It is now evident that if the arrangement of the magnetic poles at the rear side of the key card C, i.e., the side which faces the tumblers 30 when the card is inserted into the sensor unit, is defined as the magnetic code pattern or simply code pattern of the card, the tumblers assume a combination of axial positions determined by the code pattern. As will appear from the ensuing description, and is obvious from the large number of tumblers and key card magnets and from the fact that the adjacent poles of each pair of aligned tumblers and card magnets may have either like or unlike polarity, the key card may be provided with any one of a vast number of code patterns and each code pattern may establish any one of a vast number of tumbler position combinations.

As will appear presently, the sensor unit S may be designed for use with one or more key cards C each having a different code group or pattern. The particular sensor unit shown, for example, is designed for use with three different key cards each having separate code groups or patterns. In'FIG. 8, these three code groups or patterns are shown on one card for convenience of illustration and are designated as 149a, 149b, 149a. In actual practice, each key card will have only one of the code groups or patterns 149a, 149b, 149C.

According to the present invention, the key card controlled lock D is arranged in a manner such that a a proper code pattern in any one of the code groups 149a, 149b, 1496 will allow the actuation of the locking mechanism M to its unlocked condition, and will permit opening of the door A. The locking mechanism will remain in its locked condition to prevent opening the door if a key card with any other code pattern is inserted.

Continuing now with the description of the sensor unit by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4,'the unit has support pins 14, fixed in and projecting rearwardly from the front wall of the sensor housing 11 to its front mounting plate 51. Fixed on the rear ends of the support pins 14, 15 between rear shoulders 11b on the sensor housing 11 and the plate 51 is a support plate 45. Plate 45 rotatably mounts at its front side a plurality of axially slotted tumbler guides 47 equal in number to and axially aligned with the sensor tumblers 30, respectively. Each guide thus turns on the longitudinal axis of its corresponding tumbler. Fixed to each guide for rotation therewith is a tumbler positioning lever 48 located at therear side of the support plate 45. Each lever and guide are joined by a reduced shaft which, extends through and is journalled in the support plate, as shown in FIG. 3. On the rear end of each tumbler 30 is a narrow tongue 37 which fits slidably within the axial slot 47a in its corresponding guide 47.

Referring to FIG. 3 it will be seen that each tumbler 30 has limited freedom of axial movement. Thus, each tumbler is movable between a forward limiting position wherein the front end of the tumbler seats against the front cover 12 of the sensor housing 11 and a rearward limiting position wherein the rear end of the tumbler tongue 37 bottoms against the end wall of the slot in its guide 47 Each tumbler is keyed against rotation relative to its respective guide by the tumbler tongue and guide slot, such that the tumbler and guide are rotatable in unison on their common axis- At the rear side of the support plate 45, between the latter and the rear plate 51, are three reset slides 49 including two outer slides 49a, 49c, and a center slide 49b. As shown best in FIG. 4, the upper and lower ends of these slides have longitudinal slots receiving the support pins 14, 15, such that each slide is located and supported for limited longitudinal movement by the pins. Each outer slide 49a, 490 is aligned with two outer columns of the tumbler positioning levers 48. The center slide 49b is aligned with the two center columns of levers.

Slides 49 contain rectangular openings 89 receiving the tumbler positioning levers 48. Referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that each lever is tapered and each slide opening is sized such that the narrow lower end of each lever may engage in either lower comer of its slide opening 89 when the corresponding slide 49 occupies its illustrated upper limiting position. This corner engagement of each lever locks the latter and hence also its slotted guide 47 and corresponding tumbler 30 in a fixed angular position about their turning axis. Each slide 49 is movable downwardly to a lower limiting position wherein each lever is free to be rotatably positioned for locking engagement in either lower corner of its slide opening 89 when the slide is returned to its upper locking position of FIG. 4. From this description, it will be understood that the levers 48 and slides 49 provide means for releasably locking the guides 47 and hence their respective tumblers 30 in either of two angular positions on their turning axes. The manner in which the slides are moved longitudinally to release and lock the guides and tumblers will be explained presently. Suffice it to say here that the slides remain in their upper locking positions at all times except during programming of the sensor unit S.

Seating slidably against the rear face of the front wall of the sensor housing 11 are three sensing slides 22 including two outer slides 22a, 220 each aligned with two outer columns of tumblers 30 and a center slide 22b aligned with the two center columns of tumblers. The sensing slides 22a, 22b, 22c are aligned in the fore and aft direction with and are similar in shape to the reset slides 49a, 49b, 490, respectively. Sensing slides 22 have upper and lower slots which receive the support pins 14, 15, to locate the sensing slides and support the latter for limited longitudinal movement. Retainer rings 18 on the pins restrain the sensing slides against rearward movement along the pins. The sensing slides have rectangular openings 42 through which the tumblers 30 extend.

Referring particularly to FIG. 3, it will be seen that each tumbler 30 has two axially spaced upwardly opening traverse slots 33 and 34 separated by an intervening shoulder 36. As will be explained presently, this shoulder prevents unauthorized setting of the tumbler. Each slot is located in a plane normal to and has a flat bottom wall disposed approximately in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of its tumbler. The bottom walls of the two slots in each tumbler are angularly displaced by an angle equal to the angle between the two angular locking positions of the corresponding tumbler positioning lever 48 within its respective reset slide opening 89. In the particular embodiment shown this angle is about 60. Further, the two slots in each tumbler are so axially located along the tumbler that in the forward limiting position of the tumbler, the rear slot 34 is situated in the plane of the corresponding sensing slide 22. In the rear limiting position of the tumbler, the forward slot 33 is situated in the plane of the sensing slide. Finally, the slots in each tumbler are angularly oriented so that in one angular locking position of its positioning lever 48, the bottom wall of one slot parallels the upper edge of the corresponding sensing slide opening 42. In the other lever locking position, the bottom wall of the other slot parallels the opening edge.

From the description to this point, it will be understood that when a keycard C is inserted into the sensor unit S, each of the tumblers 30 will be moved by magnetic force to either its forward or rearward limiting position. In each position one slot 33 or 34 in the tumbler will be aligned with, i.e., located in the plane of, the respective sensing slide 22. Assuming that the reset slides 49 are in their upper locking position wherein they look the tumbler positioning levers 48 and hence also the tumblers 30 in their current angular positions about their their respective rotation axes, one slot in each tumbler will be oriented with its bottom wall parallel to the upper edge of the respective sensing slide opening 42. The bottom wall of the other tumbler slot will be inclined at an oblique angle, i.e., 60, relative to the opening edge. In the ensuing description, the axial position of each tumbler wherein its slot with the parallel bottom wall, i.e., the bottom wall which parallels the upper edge of the corresponding sensing slide opening, is aligned with the corresponding sensing slide, is referred to as the go position of the tumbler. The axial position of the tumbler wherein its other with its oblique bottom wall is aligned with the sensing slide is referred to as the no-go position of the tumbler.

Assume now that all of the tumblers 30 for a particular sensing slide, say slide 22a, are in their go" positions. Under these conditions, downward movement or extension of the slide results in entrance of the upper edges of the slide openings 42 into the tumbler slots 33 or 34 then aligned with the slide. These slots have depth sufficient to permit downward extension of the sensing slide to a-lower limiting position. This slide position is hereafter referred to as its extended position. On the other hand if anyone or more of the tumblers 30 is in its no-go position, the upper edge of the corresponding slide opening or openings 42 cannot enter the tumbler slots aligned with the slide. Under these conditions, such tumbler or tumblers block downward extension of the sensing slide to its extended position and retain the slide in its upper limiting position, hereafter referred to as its retracted position.

For convenience, each of the three assemblies consisting of a sensing slide 22 and its corresponding tumblers 30, tumbler positioning levers 48, and reset slide 49 will be referred to as a key card code pattern sensing means or simply a sensing means. The three pattern sensing means are adapted to sense or read the three key card code patterns 149a, 149b, 1490, respectively.

From the description to this point, it will be understood that each pattern sensing means has a go condition wherein the corresponding sensing slide 22 is free to move to its extended position and a no-go condition wherein the slide is blocked against movement from its retracted position to its extended position. A key card C may be magnetically coded to place any one, any two, or all three of the pattern sensing means in their go condition. As will appear from the later description placement of any one or more of the pattern sensing means to go condition conditions the sensor unit S to release the locking mechanizing M for operation to its unlocked condition and permit opening of the door A. Accordingly, any one of the key card code patterns 149a, 149b, 1490 in FIG. 8 may be coded to open the door A.

It will become evident from the description which follows that this ability of the sensor unit S to store key card C code patterns and the sensor unit S to recognize three different code patterns permits use of the lock in many diverse applications which require a master keying capability. For example, a large hotel may issue key cards as follows: to guests, key cards each with a different code pattern in code group 149a which permits each person to enter only his own room; to maids, bell boys and the like, key cards each with a code pattern in code group 1491) which permits entrance to an assigned group of rooms and to the manager or other selected persons, a code pattern in code group 149c which permits entrance to all rooms.

The sensor unit S has three basic modes or conditions. These are (1) normal inoperative mode; (2) code pattern storing or programming mode; and (3) sensing or operating mode. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the unit in its normal mode. In its storing or programming mode, a coded key card C with a selected code pattern or code patterns is inserted into the sensor unit and the latter is actuated in the manner explained shortly to effectively store the code pattern or patterns in the unit. In the sensing or operating mode, a key card is inserted into the sensor unit and the latter is manually actuated in the manner to be explained to effectively check the validity of the card. In the particular embodiment shown, this checking procedure involved turning the outside handle or knob of the door locking mechanism M to determine whether or not the mechanism has been released.

These operating modes will be explained in detail presently. Sufiice it to say at this point that the programming mode involves positive manual extension of both the sensing and reset slides 22, 49 to effect rotatable positioning of the tumblers 30 in accordance with the code pattern on the key card inserted into the sensor unit. The slides are then returned to retracted position to lock the tumblers in their programmed angular position. The sensing mode involves manual release of the sensing slides 22 to permit extension, by spring action of any slide whose tumblers 30 are all in go position'to place the locking mechanism M in unlocked condition. The means whereby these slide movements are accomplished will now be described.

The means for extending the sensing and reset slides 22, 49 in the programming mode comprises a pair of reset shafts a, 70b extending through and journalled in the upper sensor housing mounting boss 52 and the front sensor housing wall, between the center and outer slides. Each shaft has a pair of diametrically opposed cams 71 which extend laterally to opposite sides of the shaft and longitudinally of the shaft to the sensing and reset slides. The front ends of cams 71 are located just to the rear of the sensing slides 22 and in the planes of springs 23 mounted by a button 24 at the rear sides of the sensing slides. Each spring has an end underlying the adjacent cam as shown best in FIG. 4. The rear ends of cams 71 are disposed in overlying relation to the upper ends of the reset slides 49.

From this description and from FIG. 4, it will be understood that counterclockwise rotation of reset shaft 70a presses its left hand cam 71 against the spring 23 on sensing slide 22a and the upper edge of reset slide 49a to yieldably extend or depress the sensing slide and positively extend or depress the reset slide. Similarly, clockwise rotation of the same reset shaft yieldably extends or depresses the center sensing slide 22b and positively extends or depresses the center reset slide 49b. In like manner rotation of reset shaft 70b in one direction depresses the center slides 22b, 49b and rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction depresses the outer slides 22c, 49c.

The reset shafts 70a, 70b are thus rotated by, the proper keys inserted into the rear sensor housing locks 81a, 81b. To this end the locking lug 83 of each lock has a body from which the lug projects radially and which is concentric with the respective lock. Fixed in and extending forwardly from each lug body parallel to its rotation axis is a pin 84. The pin of lock 81a extends through a radial slot in a radial arm 72 fixed by a screw 73 to the rear end of reset shaft 70a. Pin 84 of lock 81b extends through a radial slot in a similar radial arm fixed to the rear end of reset shaft 70b. As may be observed in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lock and reset shaft axes are laterally displaced in such a way that rotation of each lock pin 84 by turning of the key in the respective and thereby it cams v71 in one direction or the other de- I lock rotates the corresponding reset shaft 70a or 70b pending upon the direction of key rotation. As explained earlier,'this reset cam rotation depresses one of the adjacent pair of sensing and reset slides 22, 49 deof the slides are free to return to their upper retracted positions shown.

At this point it is significant to recall that in the programming mode of the sensor unit S a key card C with one or more of the code patterns 149a, 149b, 149a is inserted-into the unit. Accordingly, the corresponding tumblers 30 are positioned in their forward or rearward limiting positions according to the code pattern. Each tumbler then has a slot 33 or 34 aligned with its respective sensing slide. It is also significant to recall that depression of the reset slides 49 releases the tumbler positioning levers 48 for free rotation of the tumblers 30 between the two locking positions of their respective positioning levers.

'Assume now that a key card C with selected code patterns 1490, 149b, 1496 is inserted into the sensor unit S and that a proper key is inserted into lock 81a and turned in a direction to depress sensing and reset slides 22a, 49a. Depressing of the reset slide 49a releases the corresponding tumblers 30 for rotation between their respective positioning lever locking positions. Depression of the sensing slide 22a presses the upper edges of the slide openings 42 against the bottom walls of the tumbler slots 33 or 34 aligned with the slide, thereby producing a camming action in the tumblers for rotating the latter to positions wherein the bottom walls of all the aligned tumbler slots parallel the upper slide opening edges. These positions of the tumblers are their respective go positions referred to earlier. Depression of the remaining sensing and reset slides by turning the key in lock 81a and a key in lock 81b produces the same action on their respective tumblers. As will appear from the ensuing description, this tumbler positioning action efi'ectively presets or programs into the sensor unit S code patterns in the form of an gular tumbler positions corresponding to the key card code patterns 149a, 149b, 1490, such that" a card with one or more of these patterns will place the locking mechanism M in an unlocked condition. After the pro gramming action is completed, the keys in locks 81a, 81b are turned to return the locking lugs 83 to locking positionand the reset cams 71 to normal position. The reset slides 49 are then returned to normal position by a spring 50 seating against the lower ends of the slides. The sensing slides 22 are returned in the manner explained below.

It will be recalled that the locking lugs 83 are rotatable to unlocked positions wherein they permit removal of the rear sensor housing cover'80. The reset shaft actuating pins 84 are axially slidable into and from the slots in their reset arms 72 so as to permit removal and replacement of the cover.

As noted earlier, the sensing mode of the sensor unit S involves release of any sensing slide 22 for extension by spring action whose tumblers 30 are all in go position. The means for accomplishing this sensing slide extension will now be explained. Fixed to the front wall of the sensor housing 11 and extending rearwardly from the wall in a common plane normal to the center lines of the sensing slides and containing the central axes of the lower sensor housing mounting boss 53 are three support pins or shafts 15, designated individually as 15a, 15b,15c. Rotatable on each shaft 15 is a radial sensing slide actuating arm 16 having a forward hub and restrained axially by retainer rings 18 on the shaft. A torsion spring 17 surrounding each arm hub has one end anchored to the front wall of the sensor housing 1 1. The other spring end engages a cross pin 88 fixed to the arm in spaced parallel relation to the shaft. Springs 17 urge arms 16 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4. The

pins 88 extend rearwardly through arcuate cam slots 90 in their respective sensing slides 22. Referring to FIG. 4 it will be seen that slots 90 extend crosswise across the lower ends of the sensing slides and curve upwardly as they approach the left hand vertical edges of the slides. When the sensing slides are in their upper retracted positions, the sensing slide actuating pins 88 are located at the extreme right hand ends of the cam slots, and the actuator arms 16 are rotated counterclockwise through an angle of about 45 from the longitudinal center lines of the slides. From this description,it will be understood that spring 17 urge the actuator arms 16 clockwise in FIG. 4 and thereby urge the arm pins 88 toward the left ends of their cam slots 90. This motion of the pins along the slots produces downward camming forces on the sensing slides for extending the slides downwardly. Thus, the sensing slide actuator spring 17 yieldably urge the sensing slides 22 from their upper retracted positions to their lower extended positions. During their movement along the cam slots 90,-

the pins 88 pass across the longitudinal center ends of the sensing slides and enter the upturned cam slot ends to lock the sensing slides in their extended positions.

Rotatable on the shafts 15 between the sensing slides 22 and support plate 45, are sensing slide release'arms 25. Arms 25 are positioned axially of the shafts by retaining rings 18. As shown best in FIG. 4, the lower ends of the release arms are joined by a connecting bar 28 which is pivotally attached to the arms by screws 29.

to one another, as illustrated. Each release arm 25 has a notch 25a in its right hand edge, as viewed in FIG. 4, in which seats the rear end of the cam pin 88 of the corresponding sensing slide actuating arm 16. It is evident, therefore, that the actuating arm springs 17 urge the release arms 25 clockwise in FIG. 4.

Surrounding the center shaft 15; i.e., shaft 1512, between its release arm 25 and the support plate 45 is a torsion spring 87. 'One end of this spring seats against an abutment 45a on the front side of the support plate. The other end of the spring seats against a cross pin 27 fixed in and extending rearwardly from the center release arm 25 in spaced parallel relation to shaft 15b. Pin 27 extends through a clearance opening in support plate 45 and a longitudinal clearance slot in the center reset slide 49b. Spring 87 urges the center release arm and hence the two outer release arms counterclockwise in FIG. 4.

It will now be understood that the sensing slide actuating spring 17 and the release arm spring 87 oppose one another. Thus, the slide actuating springs 17 urge the sensing slide actuating arms 16, their pins 88, and the release arms 25 clockwise in FIG. 4 and thereby tend to yieldably urge the sensing slides 22 to and lock the slides in their lower extended positions. The release arm spring 87, 'on the other hand, urges the slide actuating arms and the release arms counterclockwise in FIG. 4 and thus tends to urge the sensing slides to their upper retracted positions. Each sensing slide actuating spring 17 exerts a greater force or torque than does the release arm spring 87 and is thus capable of overriding the latter spring, as a consequence, in the absence of any force aiding the release arm spring 87, the actuating spring 17 for any sensing slide 22 which is free to descend to its extended position by virtue of its tumblers 30 all being in go position, will rotate the corresponding slide actuating arm 16 and the three release arms 25 clockwise in FIG. 4. This action extends each free sensing slide to its lower extended position.

Coaxially fixed in the lower sensor housing mounting boss 53, on the axis of the center release arm shaft 15, i.e., shaft 15b is a bushing 57 which projects a short distance rearwardly of the boss. Bushing 57 journals the shaft 64a of a disc 64 which is spaced from the rear end of the bushing 57 by a washer 63. Fixed to the front end of shaft 64a is an arm 66 to'which is secured in a radial slot the rear end of the center release arm pin 27. Accordingly, release arms 25 and disc 64 rotate in unison. I 1

As will appear from the ensuing description, disc 64 is operatively connected to thelocking mechanism M in a manner-such that a spring within the mechanism normally exerts a counterclockwise torque on the disc which aids the force of the release arm spring 87. The

combined force or torque of this aiding spring and the remove the aiding spring force from the disc 64,

thereby to permit clockwise rotation of the release arms 25 and disc 64 by the actuating spring 17 of any sensing slide 22 which is free to descend to extended position. As explained in the following description, the lock mechanism embodies a latch which is operatively connected to the disc 64 so that such clockwise rotaing has upper and lower sheet metal center sections 220, 221 of generally channel shape in transverse cross section having sector shaped flanges with arcuate edges which are circularly curved about the axis of the housing. At opposite sides of these center sections are tubular handle bearings 216, 219 having inner circular flanges 216a, 219a coaxial with and welded to the flanges of the center sections 220, 221. Welded to the inner sides of the bearing flanges 216a, 219a are plates 217, 218 which form with the center sections 220, 221 a guideway 211' extending normal to the vertical edge of the door A. The handle bearings 216, 219 project a short distance beyond the sides of the door. Threaded on the projecting ends of the bearings 216, 219 are circular mounting plates 233 which seat against opposite sides of the door A about the door opening 200a to position the lock housing 200 centrally in the opening. Cover plates 232 fit over and are secured to the mounting plates 233. The cover plates 232 having openings 232a aligned with the lock housing bearings 216, 219.

release arm spring is greater than the combined force Located at opposite sides of the door A, or the axis'of the lock housing bearings 219, 216 are an outside knob 201 and an inside knob 236. The outside and inside knobs have concentric sleeve portions 201a and 236a each rotatable within its inner lock bearing 219 or 216. Cylindrical spindles 202, 208 extend through the knob sleeve portions 201a, 236a, respectively. The outer spindle 202 is welded to the sleeve portion 201a of the outer knob 201 and is closed at its outer end by a welded plug. The sleeveportion 236a of the inner knob 236 is releasably secured to the inner spindle 208 by a spring detent 235 which may be depressed to remove the inner knob.

Slidable within the guideway 211 in the lock housing 200 is a slide 222 having arms 222a which extend toward the vertical edge of the door A. Mounted within a recess in the door edge, on the longitudinal axis of the guideway 211 is a latch unit 234 having a barrel 2340 containing a retractable latch member 234a. The lock housing 200 and latch barrel 2340 are releasably joined by slidable engagement of inwardly bent flanges 220a, 221a of the housing center sections 220, 221 in transverse grooves at the end of the barrel, as shown in FIG. 7. Latch member 234a is normally extended by spring action to its position of FIGS. 6 and 7 wherein it projects beyond the door edge to engage a keeper in the door frame to latch the door in closed position. The slide arms 222a have in-turned ends which engage in grooves 234b in the inner end of the latch member thekey;

234a so that movement of the slide away from the latch unit 234 retracts the latch member clear of the keeper (not shown) to permit opening of the door. 1

Side 222 is urged by spring 223 toward the latch unit 234 to extend the latch member 234a. The slide is moved away from the latch unit against spring action by. rotation of the door knobs201, 236 to retract the latch member. To this end, a'sectionof the inner ends of the knob spindles 202, 208 are cut away and the ends-are bent toprovide' the spindles with camming shoulders 202a, 2080 which project into the lock guideway 211' and engag'ethe edge222c of the slide 222 in FIG. 7. Rotation; of 4 either knob in either direction urges one of its carnming shoulders against the slide to retract the latter and hence the latch member 2340 inwardly in FIG. 7. x I

The inner knob 236 is always free to turn to retract the latch member 2341 and thus release the doorA for opening. A latch mechanism 209 is provided for releasably lockingv the outside knob .201 against turning to open the door. Thislatch mechanism comprises a latch key 212 whose lower end in FIG. 6 fitsrwithin a slot 211a in a movable plunger 21] in the inside knob spindle208- The key extends from the plunger 211, through a'clearance slot 22b in the slide 222, into a .slot 205a within a generallyq'cylindrical guide 205 209 with a longitudinally presented edge of a wall depressed and rotated. The inner end of the buttonopening 208b in the inside knob spindle 208 through which the pin projects. This longitudinally presented edge of the opening 208b is shapedto provide a relatively deep recess 2080, a relatively shallow recess 208d, and a bevelled shoulder. 2082 between the recesses. The latch release turn button 209 is rotatable bygrasping its exposedbevelled end to position the plunger stop pin 210 in either recess 208c or 208d. Rotation of the stop pin into the deep recess 2080 permits downward movement of the latch key 212 to its longitudinal unlatching position to release the outside knob 201 for turning to open thedoor A. Rotation of open the door.

which projectsedgewise from-the key in the direction I of retractionmovement of the slide 222 and then turns at right angles to form a latch detent 212a. This latch detent is engageable within aligned axial latching slots 202b, 21 8a (see FIG. 6) in-the inner end'of the outer knob spingle 202 and the housing side plate 218. Slot 21% in the outer lock housing-bearing sleeve 219 pro-v outer knob 201 forturning to open the door A. Thus,

' the key is movable longitudinally downward in FIG. 6

along the axis of the knob spindles 202, 208 to an unlatched position wherein the latch key detent 2l2b is retracted endwise from the latch slot. The latch detent 212 is also rotatable counterclockwise in FIG. 6"about its pivot 213 to an unlatching position wherein the detent is retracted laterally from the latch slots. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper end 2120 of the latch key 212 projects a distance beyond the end of the latch key detent 212bv and'remains within the key guide slot 2050 in both the longitudinal and. lateral unlatching positions of The latch mechanism 209 is operable from the inside of the door A to lock the latch key'212 in and release the key for longitudinal movement from its latching position. This latch mechanism comprises a latch release turn button 209a rotatable and slidable in the inner knob spindle 208 and projecting through a central opening in the inner knob 236. The exposed end of the buttonis beveled so that the buttonmay be turn button 209a to position the stop pin in the shallow recess 208d locks the latch key 212 in latching position, thus latching the outside knob 201 against turning to As thus far described, the doorlock mechanism M is generally conventional. According to the present invention, the sensor unit S and lock mechanism M are interconnected in a manner such that spring extension of any one or more of the sensing slides 22 to their lower extended positions in response to insertions of a properly coded key card C into .the sensor unit and initial partial rotation of the outside doorknob 201, as explained'below, rotates the latch key 212 to its lateral unlatching position to release the outside knob for full rotation to retract the door latch 234a and thereby release the door A for opening. I v

I To these ends, the, door is provided with an edgewise opening 282 which opens at its left end in. FIG. 7 into the door opening 53a which receives the lowermounting boss 53 of the sensor units. The right end of the opening 282 opens to the door lock opening 200a. It

will be seen that the door openings 53a, 200a, 282 have" their axes locatedin a common plane normal to the vertical edge of the door A. Positioned within the opening 282 is a bushing 237. The lock housing 200 and bushing 237 are releasably joined by slidable engagement, within transverse grooves 237a at the right end of the bushing in FIG. 7, of flanges 229a on a plate 229 secured by screws 231 to inwardly bent end portions of the lock housing center sections 220, 221. When assembling the lock M in the door A, the bushing 237 is inserted endwise through the latch unit opening in the door and then into its opening 282 to the position of FIG. 7. The latch unit 234 is inserted endwise into its opening also to the position of FIG. 7. The lock housing 200 is then inserted from the outside of the door axially into the door lock'opening in such a way that the right inturned ends of the lock slide arms 222a engage in the grooves 234b in the door latch 234, the lock housing flanges 220a221a engage in their grooves in thelatch barrel 234e, and the lock housing flanges 229a engage in the bushing end grooves 237a.

Slideable within an opening 237b in the bushing 237 is a connector rod 239. The right end of this rod in FIG. 6 is attached by a pivot 230 to one end of a generally U- shaped lever 224. The opposite end of the lever enters a slot in the plate 229 and is attached by a pivot 228 to the plate. Connector links 225 extend between and are attached by pivots 226 to mid points of the latch key 212 and the lever 224. From this description, it will be understood that an aftward force on the connecting rod 239 in FIG. 6 retracts the latch key 212 from latch slot 202b to its lateral unlatching position.

Rotatably secured by a screw 242 to the left end of connector rod 239 in FIG. 7 is a connector bar 240. The left end of the connector bar is pivotally attached by a screw 65 to the disc 64 of the sensor unit S at a position spaced radially from the disc axis. The screw passes through a slot in the rod, as shown. It is evident that rotation of the disc 64 imparts longitudinal movement to the connector rod 239, and resultant pivotal movement to the latch key 212 about its pivot 213.

From the earlier description, it will be recalled that in the absence of any force aiding the counterclockwise torque (in FIG. 4) of the release arm spring 87, the clockwise torque of the sensing slide actuator spring 17 will extend any sensing slide 22 whose tumblers'30 are all in go position and rotate, clockwise in FIG. 7, the sensor unit disc 64. As will appear presently, such clockwise rotation of the disc occurs from its position of FIG. 7, hereafter referred to as its normal position, to a position hereafter referred to as its actuated position. This rotation of the disc moves the connector rod 239 to the left in FIG. 6 and thereby pivots the latch key 212 from its latching position'to its lateral unlatching position to permit rotation of the outer knob 201 to open door A.

Referring particularly to FIG. 7, it will be seen that the bias spring 223 for the slide 222 of the lock M urge the slide to the right to a position wherein the edge 222d of the slide opening or slot 222b presses against the latch key 212 to yieldably retain the key a against pivoting to its lateral unlatching position under the above-described action of the sensing slide actuating spring 17. In other words, the lock slide springs 223 oppose the sensing slide actuating springs and exert on the sensor unit disc 64 a counterclockwise force or torque aiding that of the release arm spring 87. According to the present invention the combined counterclockwise spring torque exerted on the disc 64 by the release arm and lock slide spring 87, 223 is greater than the combined clockwise spring force or torque exerted on the disc by the three sensing slide actuating springs 17. Accordingly, so long as the slide springs 223 exert their release arm aiding force or torque on the disc 64, the

sensing slides 22 are retained in their upper retracted positions.

As best shown in F IG. 7, the latching slot 202b in the outside door knob spindle 202 is circumferentially enlarged relative to the thickness of the latch key detent 212b, such that the outside knob 201 can be rotated through a small angle when the latch key 212 is in slide springs 223, from the latch key and permit pivoting of latch key to its lateral unlatched position. In other words, the above limited rotation of the outer door knob 201 removes from the sensor unit disc 64 the release arm spring aiding force or torque of the lock slide springs 223. This conditions the latch key 212 for rotation to its lateral unlatching position in response to insertion into the sensor unit S of a key card C which is properly coded to place all the tumblers 30 for at least one sensing slide 22 in go position. Once the latch key is retracted to its unlatching position, the outer door knob 201 can be rotated through the full angle required to retract the latch member 234a and open the door.

As noted earlier, the sensor unit S is equipped with a night latch N (FIG. 5) for at least partially inactivating the unit against actuating the door lock M to unlocked condition in response to insertion of a properly coded key card into the sensor unit. The night latch may be arranged to totally deactivate the sensor unit against entry by all persons with properly coded key cards. However, in most cases, it is desirable that the night latch is set for partially deactivating the unit. For example, in the earlier described hotel application, it will be recalled that employees and the manager may be issued differently coded key cards C which provide the employees access to selected rooms or selected groups of rooms and the manager access to all rooms. The particular inventive embodiment illustrated is intended for such a controlled multiple access application and its night latch N is so arranged that when set, it bars access by all persons except those, such as a hotel manager, with a specially coded card.

To this end, the night latch N has a shaft 67 parallel to andlaterally spaced to one side of the sensor unit shafts 15, 64a and having its axis in a plane passing between the reset slides 49a, 49b and the sensing slides 22a, 22b. Shaft 67 extends forwardly through aligned openings in the rear sensor housing plate 77, the lower sensor housing mounting boss 53, and plate 51. The front end of shaft 67 abuts the rear end of a shaft 19 which extends forwardly between reset slides 49a, 49b, through support plate 45, between sensing slides 22a, 22b, and through the front wall of sensor unit housing 11, its front cover 12 and the outer wall of the-key card guide 13. The rear end of the rear shaft 67 is enlarged and internally threaded to receive a threaded stem 68 of the night latch push button 79. Fixed on shaft 67 is a retainer ring 69 for limiting rearward movement of the shaft. The rear end of shaft 19 is squared, and mounts a sensing slide stop 43 in the form of a bushing slidable on the shaft. Forward movement of the stop along the shaft 19 is limited by a retainer ring 20 on the shaft. Surrounding shaft 19 between the front cover 12 of the sensor housing 11 and the retainer ring 20 is a compression spring 21 for urging the shafts 19, 67 rearwardly. A second spring 44 surrounds the shaft 19 between the stop 43 and the support plate 45 for urging the stop forwardly' against the retainer ring 20. Spring 21 exerts a greater force than spring 44 and is thus capable of moving the shaft 19 and stop 43 rearwardly against the action of the latter spring.

As may be best observed in F IG. 4 the adjacent vertical edges of the sensing slides 22a, 22b having rectangular notches 91 through which the forward night latch shaft 19 and its stop 43 extend. When the sensing slides 22a, 22b are in their upper retracted positions, these notches are aligned to form a rectangular opening. Stop 43 has a rear enlarged rectangular portion 43a whose cross-section is just slightly smaller than that of the slide opening formed by notches 91. The front end 43b of the stop is reduced to a cross section whose dimension in the direction of movement of the sensing slides is substantially less than the corresponding dimension of the slide notches 91.The squared portion of shaft 19 forwardly of retainer ring 69 passes through a square opening in the support plate 45 to support the shaft and restrain it against turning. Stop 43, in turn, has a square opening slidably receiving the square shaft portion. Accordingly, the stop is retained in its angular position of FIG. 4, wherein the sides of the stop parallel the edges of the slide notches 91.

The night latch spring 21, being stronger than spring 44, tends to yieldably retain the shafts 19, 67 in a rear retracted or inoperative position, wherein the reduced portion 43b of the stop 43 is located within the slide notches 91. This reduced stop portion is sized to permit downward movement of the sensing slides 22a, 22b to their extended positions to actuate the lock M to unlocked condition. The night latch shafts 19, 67 are depressable to their forward positions of FIG. against the rearward thrust of spring 21, by finger pressure on the rear or inner latch button 79. In this position, the rear enlarged portion 43a of the stop 43 is located within the notches 91 in the sensing slides. This rear enlarged portion is sized to retain the latter slides in their upper retracted positions. Thus, the sensor unit S is inactivated against actuating the lock M to unlocked condition, even in response to insertion into the unit of a key card C with a proper code pattern 149a and/or 14%. However, the sensing slide 220 remains free to move to its extended position to place the lock M in unlocked condition in response to insertion of a key card with a proper code pattern 1490. T

It is possible that the night latch may be pressed when either or both the sensing slides 22a, 22b are not in their fully retracted positions. In this event, the stop 43 may contact and damage the slide'or slides if sufficient force is exerted on the night latch button 79. This possibility of slide damage is avoided by the spring 44 which permits the stop 43 to yield in the event it encounter either or both sensing slides 22a, 22b when the button 79 is pressed to set the night latch.

Means are provided to releasably retain the night latch shafts 19, 67 in their forward locking positions of FIG. 5. This latch retaining means comprises a keeper or locking disc 59 rotatable on the protruding rear end of the sensor unit bushing 57. Disc 59 is positioned axially on the bushing by a washer 58 and a retainer ring 62. The disc has a circumferentially elongated notch 59a (FIG. 7) through which extends the night latch shaft 67. One end edge of this notch is bevelled to form a cam edge 59b. Locking disc 59 is urged in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 2 and 7, to urge its cam edge 59b against the night latch shaft 67, by a spring 55. This spring is secured by a shoulder screw 56 to the lower sensor housing mounting boss 53 and has one end bearing against a pin 54 on the boss and its other end bearing against a pin 60 on the locking disc 59.

Formed on the night latch shaft 67 is a conical cam 67a having a rear locking shoulder 67b. When the shafts 19, 67 are in the rear retracted or unlocking position, wherein the sensing slides 22a, 22b are free to extend and retract, the cam 67a is located rearwardly of the locking disc 59. Forward depression of the shafts to their extended locking position of FIG. 5 by finger pressure on the night latch button 79 urges the cam against the beveled cam edge 59b of the locking disc 59, thereby rotating the disc counterclockwise in FIG. 2 against the action of the disc spring 55 to permit the cam to move past the disc. Upon arrival of the night latch shafts in their forward locking position of FIG. 5 the edge 59a of the locking disc snaps behind the cam shoulder 67b to retain the shafts in locking position.

The night latch shafts 19, 67 are released for spring return to their rear unlocking position by inward retraction of the door latch member 234a in FIGS. 6 and 7 either in response to closing the door A or tuming the inside door knob 236. To this end, a connecting rod 238 is rotatably attached at one end to the locking disc 59 by a means of a screw 61. This connecting rod slides in the door lock bushing 237. The opposite end of the rod extends into the housing 200 of the door lock M for contact with the lock slide 222 when the latter moves to the left in FIG. 6 either in response to turning the inner door knob 236 or inward retraction of the latch member 234a when the door A is closed. The slide moves the connecting rod 238 to the left in FIG. 7, thereby rotating the locking disc- 59 counterclockwise to release the night latch shafts 19, 67 for spring return to their rear unlocking position.

The operation of the illustrated coded key card actuated door lock will now be described. The lock has three basic modes hereafter referred to as a normal inoperative mode, a programming mode, and a sensing mode. In the normal inoperative mode with the door A closed, the parts of the sensor unit S and lock mechanism M occupy their illustrated positions wherein the outer door knob 201 is locked against turning to open the door. The wave spring then retains the reset slides in their upper locking positions wherein the tumbler positioning levers 48 and hence the tumblers 30 are locked in fixed angular positions on their rotation axes. One slot 33 or 34 in each tumbler is then oriented with its bottom wall parallel to the upper edge of the corresponding opening 42 in the respective sensing slide 22. The release arm spring 87 of the sensor unit aided by the slide springs 223 of the lock mechanism M retains the sensor release arms 25 in their counterclockwise limiting position of FIG. 4 wherein they retain the sensing slides 22 by their upper retracted positions. The lock slide springs 223 retain the latch key 212 in its latch slot 202b, to lock the outer knob 201 against turning.

In the programming mode, the sensor unit S is programmed to release the lock mechanism M for operation to unlocked condition in response to insertion of a properly coded key card C into the unit. This programming operation is accomplished by inserting into the sensor unit in sequence one or more key cards with selected code patterns. The sensor tumblers 30 are thereby positioned axially in accordance with their respective card code pattern or patterns. The inside door knob 236 is now rotated to retract the lock slide 222 and thereby remove from the sensor unit the release spring aiding force of the slide springs 223, and

a sensor unit lock 81 associated with the tumblers of a code group to be programmed are rotated with the proper key and in the proper direction to extend the respective sensing and reset slides 22, 49. Reset slide extension releases the corresponding tumblers for rotation on their axes. Sensing slide extension rotates the corresponding tumblers, by the camming action described earlier, to the angular positions determined by the tumbler notches 33 and 34 then located in the plane of the sensing slides. Finally, the sensor lock is returned to its normal locking position and the inside door knob released to effect spring return of the sensing and reset slides to their retracted positions. The tumblers 30 are thereby locked in their programmed angular positions.

The sensing mode of the lock involves insertion into the sensor unit of a key card C with one or more of the code patterns 149a, 149b, 149a, and rotation of the outer door knob 201 through the angle permitted by the angular extent of the latch key notch 202b in the outer knob spindle. As noted earlier, this knob rotation removes from the sensor unit release arms 25 the aiding force or torque furnished by the lock slide springs 223. Removal of this aiding torque, in turn, conditions any one of the sensing slide springs 17, whose corresponding sensing slide 22 is free to extend or descend by virtue of its tumblers 30 all being placed in go position by the key card C currently inserted into the sensor unit, to rotate the sensor unit output disc 64 clockwise in FIG. 7 and thereby retract the latch key 212 of the locking mechanism M from its latching slots 202b in the outer door knob spindle 202. The outside knob is then released for full rotation to retract the latch member 234a and open the door A.

It is now evident that insertion into the sensor unit S of the key card C with a code pattern 149a, 149b, or 149a which matches the corresponding code pattern programmed into or stored in the sensor unit actuates the output member or disc 64 of the unit to release the lock mechanism M for operation to its unlocked condition by rotation of the outside door knob. This capability of the sensor unit to store three different code patterns adapts the unit for the multiple controlled entry applications, such as the hotel application, referred to earlier. In the hotel application, guests may be issued key cards with a code pattern 1490 which is coded to permit them access to their own rooms only, employees may be issued cards with a code pattern 14% which is coded to permit them access to selected groups of rooms, and the manager may be issued a card with a code pattern 1490 which is coded to permit them access to all rooms. If desired each sensor unit lock 81 may be designed to require one key for clockwise rotation and another key for counterclockwise rotation so that programming of the sensor unit requires separate keys to store in the unit each of the programming card code patterns 149a, 149b, 1490. It is significant to note here that the night latch N, when set in locking position, bars entry to the room even in response to insertion into the sensor unit S of a key card C with a proper code pattern 149b (employee card) or 149a (guest card). However, the door A may be opened by a key card with a proper code pattern 149C (manager card). In other applications of the lock, a key card for the sensor in FIG. 4 can have 14, 28, 42 or more magnets. For

each door, only 14 magnets. For each door, only 14 magnets will be used. A key card with 42 magnets can open three doors, each door using a different code pattern. It is significant to recall here that the tumbler slots 33, 34 are separated by a shoulder 36. These shoulders prevent unauthorized setting of the tumblers in go position without a valid key card by applying a powerful force, for example, that of a magnet, to the outer side of the sensor unit during the time the outer door knob is held in a rotated position to release the spring force of the slide springs 223 from the sensor unit S.

It will be recalled that the above discussed capability of the sensor unit S to store three separate code pat terns and to release the locking mechanism M for operation to unlocked condition in response toa key card with any one of these code patterns results from the fact that the sensing slide actuating or camming pins 88 engage in notches 25a in the slide release arms 25 such that all three release arms 25 are free to rotate clockwise in FIG. 4 in response to release of only one of the sensing slides 22 for extension by placement of its tumblers in go position. In some cases, it may be desirable to require a key card C to have all three properly coded patterns 149a, 149b, 1490 to actuate the sensor unit S and release the locking mechanism M. This may be accomplished by providing the release arms 25 with closed slots rather than open notches to receive the sensing slides actuating or camming pins 88 such that all three sensing slides 22 must be released for extension by placement of their tumblers 30 in go position in order to enable clockwise rotation of the arms. Alternatively, of course, the same end may be accomplished by providing the sensor unit with a single sensing slide, reset slide, and release arm and the key card C with a single code pattern. In this case the sensor unit does not require spring 87 and may be designed to receive three separate key cards, as explained later.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove the rear plates 77, from the sensor unitS or to remove the entire sensor unit from the door A for servicing, repair, or other reasons. As noted earlier, this requires operation of locks 81 to unlocking position by insertion and rotation of the proper lock keys. An important feature of the invention resides in the fact that this operation of the locks depresses the reset slides 49 to release the tumblers 30 for rotation under the action of gravity on the tumbler positioning levers 48 and/or other forces active on the tumblers. This feature, then, constitutes, in effect, a memory erase feature which prevents unauthorized observation or copying of the programmed sensor unit code patterns, i.e., programmed angular tumbler positions, when the sensor unit is removed.

It will not be understood that the sensor unit S is programmed for actuation, i.e., rotation, of its output member or disc 64, in response to insertion into the unit of a key card C with one or more selected code patterns. Such actuation of the unit indicates, in effect, that the key card is authentic. Considering this basic operation of the sensor unit, it is evident that the latter may be employed for a wide variety of applications in addition to the door lock application described above and may embody a wide variety of modifications for accomplishing the various functions required for each application. A few of these many possible alternative uses and modifications will now be described. 

1. A programmable sensor unit for use with a coded key which may be coded to define any one of a number of different code patterns, comprising: a frame, sensing means supported on said frame for movement along a direction line between retracted and extended positions and including a number of sensing elements, coded key positioned tumbler elements supported on said frame for movement along parallel axes transverse to said direction line to a number of selected axial positions and adapted to be axially positioned in accordance with the key code pattern, each tumbler element being located in the path of extension movement of a corresponding sensing element with said sensing means to provide a coacting element pair, an element of each element pair being rotatably adjustable to selected angular positions equal in number to the axial positions of the corresponding tumbler element, and the coacting elements of each pair having coacting shapes such that in each angular position of the rotatable element, the coacting elements are engageable to block extension of said sensing means in all axial positions but one of the respective tumbler element, whereby said sensor unit may be programmed for release of said sensing means for movement to extended position in response to a selected key code pattern by presetting said rotatable element in selected angular positions, means for releasably retaining said rotatable elements in their preset angular positions, means for effecting extension and retraction movement of said sensing means, and output means controlled by said sensing means upon movement of said sensing means to extended position.
 2. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said tumbler elements are rotatably adjustable.
 3. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said sensing elements are rotatably adjustable.
 4. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said sensing means comprising a sensing plate movable edgewise between said extended and retracted positions in a plane normal to said tumbler axes and having openings through which said tumbler elements extend, said sensing elements comprise edges of said openings which face in the direction of extension movement of said plate, and said tumbler elements are shaped in a manner such that in each selected axial position of each tumbler element the latter provides clearance for the respective plate sensing edge to permit sensing plate extension in one selected angular position of the respective tumbler element and the tumbler element is engageable by the respective edge to block plate extension in all other angular positions of the tumbler element.
 5. A sensor unit according to claim 4 wherein: each tumbler element has slots which are spaced axially along and angularly about the element to receive the respective sensing plate edge when the element is disposed to permit plate extension.
 6. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said sensing means comprises a sensing plate movable edgewise between said extended and retracted positions in a plane normal to said tumbler axes, said tumbler elements have shoulders, said sensing elements are shaped in a manner such that in each selected axial position of each tumbler element, the corresponding sensing element provides clearance for the respective tumbler shoulder to permit sensing plate extension in one selected angular position of the respective sensing element and the sensing element is engageable with the shoulder to block plate extension in all other angular positions of the sensing element.
 7. A sensor unit according to claim 6 wherein: each sensing element has slots which are spaced axially along and angularly about the element to receive the respective tumbler shoulder when the sensing element is disposed to permit plate extension.
 8. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: engagement of said coacting elements by extension of said sensing means with said rotatable elements released for rotation and said tumbler elements located in selected axial positions by said coded key produces camming forces on said rotatable elements for rotating the latter elements to the angular positions wherein they permit movement of the sensing means to extended position, and said sensor unit includes means for releasing said retaining means and permitting extension of said sensing means to program a selected key code pattern into said unit.
 9. A sensor unit according to claim 8 wherein: said programming means includes locking means for locking said programming means against operation to alter the programmed code pattern.
 10. A sensor unit according to claim 8 wherein: said programming locking means comprise key lock means for releasing said retaining means and permitting said sensing means to program a selected key code pattern into said sensor unit and then locking said programming means against operation to alter the programmed code pattern.
 11. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said sensor unit includes a means for releasably locking said sensing means against extension independently of said coacting elements.
 12. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said sensing means comprise a number of separate sensing members movable between retracted and extended positions, extension of each sensing member is controlled by a group of said coacting elements, and said output means is controlled by Extension of at least one of said sensing members.
 13. A sensor unit according to claim 12 wherein: extension of a number of said sensing members controls said output means.
 14. A sensor unit according to claim 13 including: means for releasably locking certain of said sensing members against extension independently of said coacting elements.
 15. A sensor unit according to claim 12 wherein: actuation of said output means requires extension of a number of the sensing members.
 16. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said output means comprises a movable output member connected to said sensing means in a manner such that extension of said sensing means drives said output member in a given output motion, and said means for effecting extension and retraction of said sensing means comprises first means for urging said sensing means to extended position, second means opposing said first means to retain said sensing means in retracted position, and means for reducing the opposing force of said second means to permit extension of said sensing means by said first means.
 17. A sensor unit according to claim 1 including: means connected to said output means for operation from one condition to another in response to control of said output means by extension of said sensing means.
 18. A sensor unit according to claim 1 including: a door lock connected to said output means for operation from a locked condition to an unlocked condition in response to control of said output means by extension of said sensing means.
 19. A sensor unit according to claim 18 including: a night latch for releasably locking certain of said sensing means against extension independently of said coacting elements.
 20. A sensor unit according to claim 18 wherein: said door lock comprises a handle, a latch member retractable by rotation of said handle to permit opening of the door, a latch key for normally locking said handle against turning to retract said latch member, and means connecting said output means and latch key for retraction of said latch key by control of said output means to release said handle for turning.
 21. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said retaining means comprises a locking slide engageable with said rotatable elements to positively lock the latter in their preset angular positions.
 22. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said retaining means comprises magnetic means for magnetically retaining said rotatable elements in their preset angular positions.
 23. A sensor unit according to claim 1 including: electrical means connected to said output means for operation from one condition to another in response to control of said output means by extension of said sensing means.
 24. In combination: a coded key which may be coded to define any one of a number of different code patterns, a sensor unit comprising a frame, sensing means supported on said frame for movement along a direction line between retracted and extended positions and including a number of sensing elements, coded key positioned tumbler elements supported on said frame for movement along parallel axes transverse to said direction line to a number of selected axial positions and adapted to be axially positioned in accordance with the key code pattern, each tumbler element being located in the path of extension movement of a corresponding sensing element with said sensing means to provide a coacting element pair, an element of each element pair being rotatably adjustable to selected angular positions equal in number to the axial positions of the corresponding tumbler element, and the coacting elements of each pair having coacting shapes such that in each angular position of the rotatable element, the coacting elements are engageable to block extension of said sensing means in all axial positions but one of the respective tumbler element, whereby said sensor unit may be programmed for release of said sensing mEans for movement to extended position in response to a selected key code pattern by presetting said rotatable elements in selected angular positions, means for releasably retaining said rotatable elements in their preset angular positions, means for effecting extension and retraction movement of said sensing means, and output means actuated by said sensing means upon movement of said sensing means to extended position, and said key and tumbler elements comprising coacting means for axially positioning said tumbler elements in accordance with the key code pattern.
 25. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said coacting tumbler positioning means comprises magnetic means.
 26. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said coacting tumbler positioning means comprise formations on said key engageable with said tumblers.
 27. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said coacting tumbler positioning means comprise magnetic means and formations on said key engageable with said tumblers.
 28. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said coacting tumbler positioning means are adapted to establish any one of at least two different axial positions of each tumbler element.
 29. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said key comprises a coded key card and said sensor unit has a guideway for receiving said card.
 30. A sensor unit according to claim 24 wherein: said key comprises a key board mounted in said unit including depressible keys for axially positioning said tumbler elements.
 31. A programmable sensor unit for use with a coded key which may be coded to define anyone of a number of different code patterns, comprising: a frame having a wall, a number of coded key positioned tumblers supported by said wall for movement along parallel axes and rotation about said axes, sensing slide means supported by said frame adjacent said wall for movement in a plane normal to said axes between extended and retracted positions and having openings through which said tumblers extend, each opening having an edge facing in the direction of extension movement of said slide means, said tumblers having transverse slots spaced axially along and angularly about the tumblers, each tumbler being axially positionable in accordance with different key code patterns in predetermined axial positions such that in each axial position one slot is situated in said plane and each tumbler being rotatable in each axial position to a predetermined angular position wherein the slot currently in said plane is oriented to receive the edge of the respective opening in said sensing slide means and thereby permit extension of said slide means, each tumbler when in any of said axial positions blocking extension of said slide means in every angular position other than the predetermined angular position corresponding to the current axial tumbler position whereby said sensor unit may be programmed for release of said sensing slide means for movement to extended position in response to a selected key code pattern by presetting said tumblers in selected predetermined angular positions, programming means for presetting said tumblers selected predetermined angular positions, means for releasably retaining said tumblers in their preset angular positions while permitting axial positioning of the tumblers, means for effecting extension of said sensing slide means after axial positioning of said tumblers by a proper key code pattern, a rotatable output member, and means for connecting said sensing slide means and output member for rotation of said output member in response to extension of said slide means.
 32. A sensor unit according to claim 31 wherein: said tumbler retaining means comprise axially slotted tumbler positioning elements rotatably supported on said frame on the axes of said tumblers, axial tongues on said tumblers slidable within the slots in said positioning elements, locking slide means suppOrted on said frame for locking said positioning elements and thereby said tumblers against rotation by movement of said locking slide means to retracted locking position and releasing said positioning elements and thereby said tumblers for rotation by movement of said locking slide means to extended releasing position and means for extending and retracting said locking slide means and retaining the latter slide means in locking position.
 33. A sensor unit according to claim 32 wherein: said programming means comprise lock actuated means for extending said locking slide means to release said positioning elements and tumblers for rotation, and means for rotating said tumblers to selected predetermined angular positions.
 34. A sensor unit according to claim 33 wherein: said tumbler rotating means comprise means connected to said lock actuated means for extending said sensing slide means with said locking slide means to urge said sensing slide means against said tumblers to rotate the tumblers to their corresponding predetermined angular positions.
 35. A sensor unit according to claim 31 wherein: said tumbler retaining means comprise a card to be inserted into said sensor unit adjacent said positioning elements, and coating magnetic means on said elements and cards for magnetically retaining said elements and thereby said tumblers in their corresponding predetermined angular positions.
 36. A programmable sensor unit for use with a coded key which may be coded to define anyone of a number of different code patterns, comprising: a frame having a wall, a number of coded key positioned tumblers supported by said wall for movement along parallel axes, sensing slide means supported by said frame adjacent said wall for movement in a plane normal to said axes between retracted and extended positions and including sensing elements equal in number to said tumblers, said sensing elements being rotatable on axes parallel to said tumbler axes and having transverse slots spaced axially along and angularly about the elements, each tumbler having a transverse shoulder and being axially positionable in accordance with different key code patterns in predetermined axial positions wherein the tumbler shoulder is aligned with the slots in the corresponding sensing element, and each sensing element being rotatable in axial position of the corresponding tumbler to a predetermined angular position wherein the respective element slot is oriented to receive the tumbler shoulder and thereby permit extension of said slide means, each sensing element being located for engagement with the corresponding tumbler shoulder to block extension of said slide means in all angular positions other than the predetermined angular position corresponding to the current axial position of its respective tumbler, whereby said sensor unit may be programmed for release of said sensing slide means for movement to extended position in response to a selected key code pattern by presetting said tumblers in selected predetermined angular positions, means for releasably retaining said sensing elements in their preset angular positions, programming means for presetting said sensing elements to said selected angular positions, means for effecting extension of said sensing slide means after axial positioning of said tumblers by a proper key code pattern, a rotatable output member, and means connecting said sensing plate means and output member for rotation of said output member in response to extension of said plate means.
 37. A sensor unit according to claim 36 wherein: said retaining means comprise locking slide means supported on said frame for locking said sensing elements against rotation by movement of said locking slide means to retracted locking position and releasing said sensing elements for rotation by movement of said locking slide means to extended releasing position, and means for extending and retracting said locking slide means and retaininG the latter slide means in locking position.
 38. A sensor unit according to claim 37 wherein: said programming means comprise key lock actuated means for extending said locking slide means to release said sensing elements for rotation, and means for rotating said sensing elements to select predetermined angular positions.
 39. A sensor unit according to claim 1 including: means for normally concealing said rotatable elements and exposing said latter elements when desired, and means for automatically releasing said retaining means and altering the settings of said rotatable elements to erase the code pattern programmed into the sensor unit when said rotatable elements are exposed.
 40. A sensor unit according to claim 20 wherein: said latch key when in latching position permits slight rotation of said handle, said output means comprises a movable output member connected to said sensing means in a manner such that extension of said sensing means drives said output member in a given output motion, and said means for effecting extension and retraction of said sensing means comprises first means for urging said sensing means to extended position, said means opposing said first means to retain said sensing means in retracted position, and means operable by slight rotation of said handle for reducing the opposing force of said second means to permit extension of said sensing means by said first means.
 41. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said rotatable element of each element pair has relatively angularly displaced transverse slots for receiving the other element of the respective element pair to permit extension of said sensing means in selected angular positions of the respective rotatable element and axial positions of the respective tumbler element.
 42. A sensor unit according to claim 41 wherein: each rotatable element has a shoulder between its adjacent slots to block relative movement of the other element of the respective element pair from one slot to another.
 43. A sensor unit according to claim 1 wherein: said key code pattern is a magnetic code pattern, said tumbler elements are magnetic elements which are magnetically positioned axially in accordance with said magnetic code pattern, and said sensor unit includes means for producing magnetic forces on said tumbler elements opposing the magnetic forces between adjacent tumbler elements.
 44. A sensor unit according to claim 43 wherein: the magnetic forces between adjacent tumbler elements are repelling forces, and said opposing force producing means comprise magnetically permeable elements between the adjacent tumbler elements.
 45. A sensor unit according to claim 43 wherein: the magnetic forces between adjacent tumbler elements are attracting forces, and said opposing force producing means comprise magnets between the adjacent tumbler elements.
 46. For use in a sensor unit of the character described: a tumbler sensing element rotatably positionable about its longitudinal axis, said element having at least a pair of axially spaced transverse slots selectively receiving a portion of a tumbler and separated by an intervening shoulder, and said slots having bottom walls, respectively, which are angularly displaced about said longitudinal axis. 